RES 21-29City of Elk River
City Council
Resolution 21- 29
A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Elk River Supporting Rail
Passenger Service Improvements
WHEREAS, the MnDOT State Rail Plan includes a proposed 2"d Passenger Train
frequency (2"d train) between the Twin Cities and Chicago for which design planning is
completed. This new service between the Twin Cities, Milwaukee and Chicago utilizes the
current route of Amtrak's Empire Builder at speeds up to 79 miles an hour; and
WHEREAS, the State of Minnesota was awarded a Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and
Safety Improvement (CRISI) grant in 2020 totaling $31.8 million for infrastructure
improvements along the existing freight railroad's right-of-way to enable the 2"d train; and
WHEREAS, the State of Minnesota needs to provide $10 million in matching funds to
receive the CRISI grant; and
WHEREAS, once the 2"d train service is operational, we believe its success would allow
the expansion of passenger rail to our community per the MnDOT state rail plan; and
WHEREAS, freight railroads will benefit from the capital investment needed for Twin
Cities daytime service to Fargo/Moorhead, enabling greater freight train speeds, reducing
railroad congestion; and
WHEREAS, Elk River residents are mainly reliant upon highways today for travel and
more passenger rail service would expand transportation options to the east and west of our
city for our residents who cannot or don't want to drive or fly; and
WHEREAS, the 2"d train alone will benefit Minnesota's economy by an estimated $25
million annually, by supporting and increasing jobs, tourism, and creating a more economical
travel choice, and for every one dollar invested in passenger rail service, it generates three
dollars in every community served; and
WHEREAS, many states in the Midwest and around the country are investing in more
passenger rail service as they realize the economic and mobility benefits of such services.
Some of these states include but are not limited to: Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri,
Ohio, Virginia, California, Oregon, Maine, North Carolina.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Elk
River, Minnesota, that it hereby supports funding the proposed 2"d Passenger Train
P O W E R 1 0�[�01
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Frequency between the Twin Cities and Chicago, and requests that the Minnesota
Legislature approve a minimum of $10 million to provide matching funds to secure the
CRISI Grant Award as described above, and supports funding of the MnDOT state rail plan
specified at $160 million for possible expansion of passenger rail service to our city.
Passed and adopted this 19t' day of April 2021.
ATTES�:
Tina Allard, City Clerk
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